The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction

6 What will I do to establish or maintain classroom rules and procedures?

Up to this point all design questions have dealt with content issues and instructional issues. This question deals with a staple of classroom management—the
design and implementation of classroom rules and procedures. Regardless of how
well behaved students in a given class might be, they still need rules and procedures. Although rules and procedures should be established at the beginning
of a school year, there are many times throughout the year when students need
reminders or when rules and procedures must be added or altered. Without effective rules and procedures, teaching (and consequently learning) is inhibited.

In the Classroom

In our classroom scenario, Mr. Hutchins spends substantial time crafting classroom rules and procedures during the first week. He announces to students that
he has two rules only: treat each other with respect, and make the classroom a
place of learning. He leaves it to the students to come up with specific behaviors,
routines, and processes to ensure that these rules are followed.

On occasion throughout the year, he finds that one or more of the routines
and processes require alterations. For example, initially he and the students
establish the procedure that students must raise their hands and be called on
before they can speak. However, he observes that this protocol seems to stifle
discussions. He brings this up to students in a class meeting. Most students agree
with his perception. As a result of a fairly lively discussion, the procedure is

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